It’s Pankaj Tripathi Day today! Yes, the world is wishing him a Happy Birthday. Powerful acting, subtle performances, beyond-life characters and the never-say-never to any role are what make Pankaj Tripathi a true artist. As the clock ticks on to celebrate the birthday of one of India’s most versatile and celebrated actors, here’s making Pankaj Tripathi’s birthday extra special with a curated selection of his finest work.
From playing memorable characters in critically acclaimed films to stealing hearts with his performances in web series, Pankaj Tripathi has done it all. So, what better way to celebrate his birthday than by diving into some of his best movies and web shows?
Get ready for a Pankaj Tripathi marathon with this specially curated list of five must-watch titles:
‘Gunjan Saxena’ (Netflix)
Pankaj Tripathi aces the role of a supporting father in this film which is inspired by the life of a fearless young officer who made history by becoming the first Indian female Air Force officer to fly in a combat zone during the 1999 Kargil War. Pankaj Tripathi as Anup Saxena, showcases the unwavering faith and trust of a father on his daughter who has been raised no less than a son. The character adds, depth to the film through his heart-touching performance.
‘Mirzapur’ (Amazon Prime Video)
No Pankaj Tripathi fan can forget the iconic character of Kaleen Bhaiya from the crime thriller Mirzapur. Keleen Bhaiya and his poker-faced dialogues have been the source of many memes across platforms. The famous series follows a shocking incident at a wedding procession which ignites a series of events entangling the lives of two families in the lawless city of Mirzapur. Pankaj Tripathi’s portrayal of a ruthless mafia boss in the lawless world of Mirzapur garnered immense acclaim and continues to be one of his most-talked-about performances. The calm, poise and non-twitching portrayal of Kaleen Bhaiya has made the character timeless.
‘Kaagaz’ (Zee5)
Based on a true story, a satirical comedy about a common man and the struggle he goes through to prove his existence after being falsely declared dead on government records, Kaagaz is a heart-touching film showcasing Pankaj Tripathi as Bharat Lal. Considered one of Pankaj Tripathi’s finest works, his character adds layers of emotion and humour to this extraordinary tale of an identity crisis.
‘Stree’ (Jio Cinema)
In this horror-comedy, Pankaj Tripathi plays the role of Rudra, a local bookseller with a knack for delivering hilarious one-liners. His comic timing is impeccable and adds a delightful twist to the spooky narrative. The plot is about the small town of Chanderi, where the menfolk live in fear of an evil spirit named Stree who abducts men at night.
‘Criminal Justice’ (Disney+ Hotstar)
Pankaj Tripathi’s brilliant acting shines through in this courtroom drama series as Madhav Mishra, a down-on-his-luck lawyer. Following the lawyer’s journey as he navigates the murky waters of the legal system, Criminal Justice made noise for Tripathi’s impeccable performance and as always, his choice of craft.
All the titles can also be accessed on Tata Play. So, here’s wishing the talented Pankaj Tripathi a very happy birthday.
